My mother would be proud:  It’s been many a year since I’ve darkened the door of a church, but that’s just what I did on the last Sunday of 2007.  For the record, let me state that I profess no theistic beliefs, nor am I a fan of organized religion.  But the Sunday “celebrations” at Glide Memorial Church are like no service I’ve seen before.  In fact, attendance should probably be a standard recommendation for tourists in the likes of Frommer’s.  Not because it’s a church service — because in many ways it isn’t — but because it’s a community event.   As a card-carrying member of the Social Butterflies of America, this is what really drew me in.

 Forget about stern admonitions from fire-and-brimstone ministers warning of eternal damnation.  And certainly forget any worries about proselytizing preachers.  Instead, think exultant jubilation!  Think gospel choir-style singing with audience participation!  Think swaying of bodies and clapping of hands!  When we arrived (thirty minutes early, and we barely found a seat), an attendant handed us a fan, saying “It’s gonna get hot in here, and you won’t be sitting down much.”  Boy, was he right.  Their choir and band, complete with saxaphonist, had us on our feet right from the start.  And Glide’s grand-poobah Cecil Williams had us fired up from the moment he stepped onto the stage. 

There’s no traditional religious theme here.  Instead, the focus seems to be on inclusion in the truest sense of community:  There were multiple references made to Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and even “hippie” iconography throughout the service (the latter being several clever derivations of a peace sign), sending a clear signal that all beliefs or non-beliefs are welcome.  Throughout the celebration, specific comments welcomed people who traditionally feel excluded, with pointed references to political beliefs, sexual orientation, race and income level.  But other exclusionary criteria were swept away as well, with particular attention paid to issues such as addictions, financial problems, and various other vices that plague us. 

In other words, we’re all one big happy family at Glide; and as cheesy as that might sound, it’s hard not to get caught up in the spirit and openness of their energy.  Ten minutes into the program, attendants passed up and down the aisles, dispensing tissues to those who were swept away in the emotion of the moment.  I’ll confess I had a case of “the vapors” myself – When a woman claimed the stage and described how she emerged from homelessness and drug addiction as a result of her involvement at Glide, it was too much fo me.  Glory, Hallelujah!!  This is wholesome, feel-good stuff, and I recommend it to San Francisco visitors and residents alike.  Best of all, Glide supports all manner of community services, including counseling programs, housing assistance, and providing close to one million free meals yearly.  The next time you’re in San Francisco, GO.

Afterwards, you’re close to Union Square and Chinatown, where you’ll find a kazillion places for brunch (you’ll be hungry after all the singing, clapping and celebrating).  And if you don’t put the last of your paycheck into Glide’s collection basket (as I was tempted to do), there’s some of San Francisco’s best shopping nearby as well. 

Thanks to eyehop for the photos.

Happy New Year, everybody!

Posted on December 31st, 2007 by Thomas
Filed under: San Francisco, Uncategorized